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Dingley has been handed the reins of the League Two club Forest Green Rovers after Duncan Ferguson's sudden exit
Forest Green Rovers have made history by placing head of academy Hannah Dingley in caretaker charge of the men's senior team following the departure of Duncan Ferguson.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Dingley has been handed the reins of the League Two club after Ferguson's sudden exit. Dingley, who has a UEFA Pro Licence becomes the first woman, albeit temporarily for now, to lead a men's senior side in one of England's top-four divisions.
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“Hannah was the natural choice for us, to be first team interim coach…she's done a fantastic job leading our academy and is well aligned with the values of the club," said club owner Dale Vince.
"It's perhaps telling for the men's game that in making this appointment on merit, we'll break new ground and Hannah will be the first female head coach in English (men's) football.”
Dingley expressed her excitement about being given the role and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.
“Pre-season has just begun, and the full season kicks off very soon. It's an exciting time in football. I am grateful for the opportunity to step up and lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club,” she said.
In an interview with the BBC earlier this year, Dingley - when asked when there might be a time when a woman is in charge of a men's professional football team - said: “It will come in sooner than you think. The success that the Lionesses are having, that Emma Hayes is having at Chelsea."
"There are other really good female coaches out there who I have more faith in and who would be more than capable of coaching at a men's level.
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"They're players at the end of the day. It's football at the end of the day, that doesn't change. I don't think it'll be long before you see a female on the touchline,” she said.
Along with Ferguson, it is understood the former Scotland striker's assistant Tony Grant has also left Forest Green.
In confirming Ferguson's exit, club Vince said: “It'd been a privilege to work with Dunc these last few months and this was a very difficult decision to make. I'm grateful to Dunc for joining us in such difficult circumstances and for all of his hard work at the club."
"But I feel this is overall the right decision for everyone and I wish Dunc well in his next coaching role. We are parting as friends. You can't ask for much more than that.”
Under owner Vince's stewardship, Forest Green have become among the most socially forward-thinking clubs in professional football. In 2017 they were officially recognised as the world's first vegan football club, receiving the Vegan Trademark from the Vegan Society.
Forest Green face non-league Melksham Town in their first pre-season game on Wednesday, July 5 night and Dingley will be in charge.
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